Mayor's 2013 theme focuses on health for residents

Mayor Ron Garcia has announced the start of a yearlong effort to encourage healthy and active lifestyles among the city's residents.

Garcia's theme for 2013, "Active Lives, Healthy City," is aimed at highlighting healthy-eating programs in the city's schools and senior centers, while also encouraging use of the city's parks, recreation centers and open spaces. Garcia said he hoped the theme will inspire volunteering and bring residents together under the bond of community engagement.

"When we get involved in our community, we tend to lead active lives," Garcia said. "This is how Brea remains a healthy city."

Each year, the city's incoming mayor selects a theme to raise awareness about a specific issue.

"This year is young with so many positive possibilities," he said during a recent council meeting. "I encourage you to become more active."

Garcia last served as mayor in 2010 when his theme was "It's Better in Brea." That theme highlighted the city's perseverance and success in the midst of the economic recession.